Actually, I was very uneducated. ... When I was young, back then, some people weren’t thinking about finishing school, just getting out and going to work. I needed to progress in life. I heard about the program and joined it. I’m originally from Barbados. I worked for an auto parts company and it was expanding. Usually people that were progressing and going up were more educated. I realized the only way to go up is through education. Since then I’ve been embedded in this program.

What was it like going back to school with the Adult Basic Education program in Taunton?

The teachers are excellent. They are very strict. If you follow their rules, you get out of here so fast it’s amazing. They notice where your weaknesses are and they work with you. That is a great thing.

What do you think about having ABE in Taunton?

This is one of the best programs for the Taunton area. From the time I’ve been here I’ve seen more people come to this program and get a GED and move on and anything else. Here in Taunton I think we have a problem where a lot of people who leave school, or don’t have their high school certificate, but they need it because they realize times are changing. This program is so important. If we don’t have it here in Taunton, I don’t think a lot of people are going to survive, especially with these times. This program should be supported by the government. Without this program a lot of people would be left behind.

What’s going on with your education now, and how are you using or how do you plan on using it?

I’ve left ABE and gone on to college at BCC in Fall River through the Step Up To College program. It’s so good. You don’t need to fully obtain your GED to start it. It’s just like a college program. I hope to do something better in life. The best way to go is to educate myself. I’m interested in writing.